Courtois shakes up Belgium national team with huge announcement: ‘Not going to play any Nations League matches’

Thibaut Courtois has confirmed that he will not play for Belgium during the upcoming Nations League campaign, including the Final Four.

The Real Madrid goalkeeper is instead targeting a potential return for Euro 2028 qualifying in March 2027.

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Courtois will sit out the Nations League

Courtois made the announcement after Real Madrid's 2-1 Champions League victory over Inter, where he produced another impressive performance.

Speaking to the media in the mixed zone, the goalkeeper confirmed that he will step away from Belgium for the Nations League, unless injuries leave the squad short of options.

"No, I'm not going to play any Nations League matches, not even the Final Four, unless the coach needs me because there are too many injuries," he said, as quoted by AS.

The decision means Courtois is deliberately putting his international career on hold rather than bringing it to an end.

Walking away from the national team for a while. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

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Euro 2028 remains the target

Courtois has not ruled out returning for Belgium's Euro 2028 qualifying campaign. The tournament will be held in the United Kingdom and Ireland, with qualifying scheduled to begin in March 2027.

The goalkeeper also accepts that returning to the national team does not guarantee him his old position as first choice.

Belgium coach Mark van Bommel has made it clear that competition for the position will remain open, particularly with Senne Lammens pushing for a starting role.

"Van Bommel replied that he couldn't guarantee me the starting spot. However, I want to fight for my place," Courtois explained.

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That approach means Courtois will have to prove himself again if he wants to reclaim the Belgium No.1 shirt.

Open to returning for Euro 2028. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

The veteran, however, has no intention of simply walking away from international football. His aim is to maintain his level at Real Madrid and return to Belgium ready to compete for the No.1 position.

A decision designed to prolong his Real Madrid career

Courtois' decision to reduce his international commitments is closely linked to his desire to extend his career at Real Madrid for as long as possible.

The Real Madrid veteran's current contract expires in June 2027, although the club is working on extending his stay by another year.

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His outstanding start to the season, including his performance against Inter, has strengthened the case for keeping him at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Courtois' most recent appearance for his country came against Spain in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup, when he was forced off with an injury as Belgium were eliminated.

For now, Courtois has chosen to step aside. His next objective is clear: remain at the top level with Real Madrid, then potentially return to Belgium in time for the road to Euro 2028.

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